St. Francis Preschool offers a developmentally paced program with a balance of structured and unstructured play. Children learn about the world by seeing, hearing, and touching. The curriculum provides each child with activities and materials that encourage observation, problem solving, decision making, and group interaction. Activities that foster creativity, imagination, communication and self-expression are empahasized. Kindergaten readiness is interwoven throughout the program.

Our semistructured program includes periods of self-directed time where children work independently and direct their own play as well as teacher directed activities. Essential components of our curriculum include art, literature, music, singing, nature study, science, dramatic play, and movement. Pre-reading and pre-math experiences are provided through hands-on games and materials. Outdoor play is an important part of our curriculum and includes play houses, carpentry areas, and water and sand play, as well as the use of tricycles, swings, a tree ship, slides, and climbing structures. Daily snacks are provided.

Morning Programs

Our programs begin in September and conclude in June. We offer both MWF and TTH morning sessions beginning at 9 am for children 2 years 9 months (3 by December 1st) through entry into Kindergarten. Children may attend 5 days a week if space is available.

There are separate classes for 3 year olds (our Younger classes), 4 year olds (our Pre-K classes), and Transitional Kindergarten. Pick up times are staggered between 11:30 and 12 noon depending on the class.

Lunch Bunch

An optional lunch hour for Pre-K children is offered after preschool from 12-1 pm. Children bring their own nutritious lunch from home. Younger class children may join Lunch Bunch on a space available basis beginning in January of each school year.

Afternoon Enrichment Classes

Enrichment classes are offered to our Pre-K children on
Monday - Thursday afternoons from 1 - 2:30 pm.
Children can practice motor skills, learn a new language,
explore art, or make a nutritious snack
together. Classes include a lunch hour, periods of
free play, and teacher directed activities. Chidlren may attend enrichment classes on the same day as their morning session and/or a different day.

Time for Twos

The “Time for Twos” program introduces toddlers to the preschool environment and routines with a parent/significant adult. Children learn to share and play with others as well as sing fun songs and create special art projects. The program is available on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings. An adult attends with a child for 90 minutes of activities. Children may attend 1 - 2 times per week.

Routines are similar to preschool

Includes inside and outside play

Activities include music and movement, art, stories and a snack

Parents can observe their child's approach to learning

Summer Session

Our Summer Session blends the special energy and joy of summer with learning new school routines. Children experience plenty of outside time and hands-on activities!

The preschool program runs for three weeks in July from Monday - Thursday (see Preschool Calendar section for specific dates). We offer both Younger and Pre-K classes as well as a separate class for children entering Kindergarten in the fall.